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“She reacted like a Champions League winner,” said England coach Sarina Wiegman with a smile.

And for Lucia Kendall, it felt incredibly close.

The England boss was discussing the instant the Villa player ran off in jubilation following her debut international strike – during the opening stages of a win over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.

“I think the pitch needs some attention after that!” she quipped, in reference to Kendall’s perfect knee slide.

As the 21-year-old rose, puffing out her cheeks and mobbed by her team-mates, a broad smile appeared on her face.

A Dream Return to St Mary's

Having been “a staple” of Southampton for a decade, where she progressed from the youth ranks to play over a century of games, her summer switch to Villa was a significant change.

Therefore, scoring at St Mary's upon her return and during just her third international match felt extraordinarily special.

“It was a truly special moment to achieve this here, in my hometown. This place forged the player I am,” Kendall said.

“It seemed destined to happen. It was so special. I got flooded with emotion really.”

A Rapid Rise to Prominence

While Southampton played a key role in her development, a life-altering choice at 15 was vital for her prospects.

Despite being a capable cricketer (her father had a career with Hampshire), the impending demands of senior football at Southampton necessitated a decision. She selected football.

“It was an interesting one. There was no time for me to do both anymore,” Kendall commented in a recent media conference.

“I adored cricket as a child. Making the choice was very hard. I went back and forth, but when the time came, I understood I enjoy football a bit more.”

Her idol growing up as a Chelsea fan was Frank Lampard – an England midfielder known for his goalscoring ability – and Kendall has begun her career in a similar fashion.

Balancing her football at Southampton with university studies in psychology showcased the focus and ambition needed to excel.

Southampton held onto their prized asset as long as possible, but upon her contract expiry, Villa brought her in to the WSL.

Within months the Winchester-born player has risen to prominence, becoming a consistent starter in the top flight and breaking into the England squad.

“Displaying consistency is challenging for any new arrival in the WSL, but she has managed it,” admitted Wiegman.

“The pace of her rise has been breathtaking, yet she maintains her performance standard, proving her quality impressively.”

Kendall certainly enjoyed herself at St Mary's, hitting the crossbar later in the first half and almost setting up Villa team-mate Missy Bo Kearns for a goal, before Alessia Russo added a second with an injury-time penalty.

Her substitution on the hour mark was met with a loud reception from fans and an announcer proudly declaring her local roots.

Kendall scored 29 goals for the club in more than a decade of service and added: “Being at Southampton for so long, I played regular senior football from the age of 16 and that stood me in really good stead.

“The constant faith they placed in me gave me the confidence to take the next step.

“I understood the need to justify my selection at international level, where the tempo is higher, akin to moving up a league.”

Praise for a Complete Midfielder

Kendall has made an instant impression at international level, with pundits stating she has just “has the quality” as a midfielder and looks like a “born talent”.

The England manager wants to safeguard her exposure, citing the roles of both media and club, but is reassured by the player’s humble nature.

In her early interactions with the press, she emphasized her willingness to play her part for the benefit of the team.

According to Russo, Kendall’s integration was so smooth it seemed she’d was a veteran presence.

“{This team's just gone on to win back-to